1997 Caterham C21 vs. 1968 Trabant P 601
To start off, 1997 Caterham C21 is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Trabant P 601. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Trabant P 601 would be higher. At 1,588 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Caterham C21 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Caterham C21 (138 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 112 more horse power than 1968 Trabant P 601. (26 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Caterham C21 should accelerate faster than 1968 Trabant P 601. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Caterham C21 weights approximately 39 kg more than 1968 Trabant P 601. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1997 Caterham C21 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1997 Caterham C21. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1968 Trabant P 601, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1997 Caterham C21 (153 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 99 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Trabant P 601. (54 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1997 Caterham C21 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Trabant P 601.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Caterham C21 | 1968 Trabant P 601 | |
| Make | Caterham | Trabant |
| Model | C21 | P 601 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1968 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 593 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 26 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 153 Nm | 54 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 654 kg | 615 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 3560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1520 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2030 mm |
